It’s That Time Of Year Again | Atlanta Child Photographer

Yes, it’s that time again. Christmas time! Every year I photograph one of my most favorite families who have since become like family to me. I have been photographing them since 2010, I think. I remember when they were a family of four and are now a family of five! I have photographed them from 2010 until now. There was only one year I didn’t photograph them and that was when a family friend offered to do it. It was 2014. I missed them that year but when 2015 came back around, we were reunited.

As a child photographer, one of the most amazing aspects of my profession is being able to see other people’s children grow up. There is so much change that happens in a year, especially when you’re dealing with children. Here are some of my favorite images over the years. If you look closely, you can see how my editing and shooting style has evolved over time.

2010 Our very first session. It was overcast but not cold. I photographed the children as they ran around outside and we took a few portraits inside their home as well. 

2011 The second session was at the botanical gardens down the street from their home. Since they wore lighter colors the previous year, they decided to go a little bolder the following year. That red was so festive. Also, when children are younger, it’s easier to get them to wear what you want them to wear. 

2012 The third year we went to the same botanical garden but this time we went to a different part of the garden. We were so lucky all three years. The weather was so nice, which allowed us to take our time. The only problem was the harsh sun and trying to find some shade. To be honest, I am a studio photographer so location photography was something I was working on back then. Also, this is the first session with little Livy.

2013 If I’m not mistaken, I think it may have rained during this session, so we stayed inside. I love how their clothing matches their walls.

2015 Back at the botanical gardens. We had always traversed over the bridge but for some reason, we never stopped to photograph there. As you can see, the weather was cooperating again. It was unseasonably warm December and we loved every minute of it. That’s what’s so crazy about Georgia. It might be December, but we can have September weather. I’m so glad the weather cooperated, especially since I didn’t photograph them the previous year. I really missed them! By the way, can you tell that Belinda let the older kids determine what they wanted to wear? I always tell her that I think it’s important for the kids to express themselves. I’d hate for them to look at the pictures years from now and think, “Why did you make me wear that?”

2016 Every year when I photograph them, I always create Christmas cards for them. This image was one of the images for the card. I also decided to do something a little different. Not sure why we didn’t go out that year. It could have been the weather or perhaps we got burned out from going to the gardens. Either way, I really liked the homey feel of this family portrait.

2017 This portrait was on the back deck of the new house they moved into. You might not be able to tell, but it was a bit chilly that day. They had come back from church when I photographed them. Even Livy was able to hold it together in the cold. Mind you, I don’t like photographing in the cold any more than my clients like posing in the cold. Sometimes, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. 

2018 This had to be the absolute coldest session! What’s so funny is that I photographed my niece, her new husband and their dog in the Stone Mountain Village and it was crazy cold that day too. Anyway, we met in the Stone Mountain Village after they got out of church. When I first arrived at the location, it was chilly but bearable. By the time they made it there, the temperature had dropped and the wind picked up. It was so cold that I could have made frozen bubbles with my saliva.  I don’t think I have ever shot a session faster than I shot this session. Kudos to them for making it look like it was a beautiful day. Don’t worry, coats were on hand while I switched up the groupings and poses.

2019 The weather was again overcast but warm enough to comfortably have a session outside in their new home. Before the session started, Livy was kind enough to warn us about the two dead birds in the backyard. Not sure what happened there, so we’ll just continue on. It was a fun session as usual. It’s always great to see the kids and of course, Belinda and Mike. Jokes are always bandied around and lots of laughter from silly behavior. They are definitely my kind of people! They always top my year off and end it on an excellent note. Enjoy a few of my favs from the session. By the way, there’s still time for your session. Christmas cards may be out of the question if you want to have them delivered to your recipients before Christmas, but there’s always New Years’ cards. If you do want Christmas cards, I suggest the last day to schedule a session be Saturday the 14th. 

Even though it’s the end of the year, there’s still time for your session or even to purchase a gift certificate to use later. Just a thought. At any rate, I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane with the Gastons. I would love to one day have a trip down memory lane with you and your family, as well. Take care and I hope to see you here next week!